Study Reveals Link Between Cannabis Use and Increased Diabetes Risk
A new study has found a significant association between cannabis use and a fourfold increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to researchers at Boston Medical Center. The research, published in the *Journal of the American Medical Association*, analyzed data from over 550,000 individuals across the United States and Europe. The study’s lead author, Dr. Ibrahim Kamel, noted that the findings raise important health concerns as cannabis becomes more widely available and socially accepted.
The study, conducted using the TriNetX Research Network, compared approximately 96,800 cannabis users with over 4.16 million non-users who had no record of drug use or chronic illness. Over a five-year period, 2.2% of cannabis users were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, compared to just 0.6% of non-users. Researchers emphasized that these findings remained consistent even after adjusting for other health factors such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and alcohol or cocaine use.
Experts suggest that the link between cannabis use and diabetes may be due to its effects on appetite, metabolism, and insulin resistance. The study points out that cannabis use is often associated with poor dietary habits, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels over time. As more states continue to legalize marijuana, the growing prevalence of cannabis use raises concerns about its potential long-term health impacts. Dr. Kamel stressed that the findings should not be used to discourage cannabis use but rather to highlight the importance of monitoring metabolic health for individuals who use it regularly.
However, the study acknowledges several limitations. It relies on retrospective data rather than tracking new cases over time, making it difficult to establish a direct causal relationship between cannabis use and diabetes. Additionally, the study depends on self-reported cannabis use, which can introduce bias. The researchers also noted that occasional users may not face the same risks as chronic users, and precise measurements of cannabis consumption were not available.
Despite these limitations, the study underscores the importance of incorporating cannabis use into clinical discussions, particularly for individuals at higher risk of diabetes. Physicians may need to routinely assess patients’ cannabis use to better monitor metabolic health. The findings also suggest that substance-use disorder treatment programs should integrate diabetes risk awareness to better support patients’ overall health. As cannabis becomes more integrated into daily life, these results emphasize the need for continued research and public health guidance.
Following the release of the study, Fox News Digital reached out to cannabis industry organizations for comment, but no responses were received. The study highlights the ongoing debate about the health implications of cannabis use and the need for further research as its legal status continues to evolve across the United States.